pt. 1: From idea to first draft -- Clearing the decks -- Getting to work -- Writing the proposal -- Research -- Shaping the film -- Beginning the first draft -- Completing the first draft -- pt. 2: Preproduction -- Budget and contract -- Preproduction -- pt. 3: Production -- The director prepares -- Directing the interview -- On location -- pt. 4: Postproduction -- Editing -- Writing the final narration -- Finishing the film -- pt. 5: Special cases -- Cinema verite -- Documentary drama -- The historical documentary -- Industrial and public relations films -- Conclusion: problems and challenges